Sales of collections excluding those already purchased

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a method and system capable of allowing users to complete collections of objects without unwanted duplication thereof. The system automatically, and in response to user direction, determines if objects are available that would complete a user&#39;s collection. The system can automatically purchase and obtain delivery of objects identified as being needed to complete a collection. The system allows a user to statically define and derive the parameters of a desired collection of objects and can create, and suggest to the user, collections of which the user already has a portion. The system includes functionality that provides user-definable collections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to licenses and sales of collections of items, such as for example collections of movies, collections of music, collections of baseball cards, collections of coins, collections of books, collections of postage stamps, or collections of other such items; in aspects thereof, the invention relates to a user interface with which a user can interact with a local library server, with the effect of being able to make purchases to complete collections of objects conveniently, easily, quickly, and without substantial duplication.

2. Related Art

Collectables have been popular throughout history. Fads come and go and collectables; such as Beanie Babies, Lladro, and Pokemon are favorites among collectors. Companies, like the Franklin Mint, have established entire businesses around selling items that are part of collections to those who would collect them.

Media collections have long been popular: from record albums on vinyl to VHS and DVD movies. Film franchises have become very lucrative for motion picture companies. Blockbuster movies practically dictate multiple sequels. The same is true with television series and specials; ten or more seasons for a successful show is not uncommon. Distributors of DVD content have recognized the viewing public's interest in viewing this type of content on demand and have accommodated them by providing series sets with complete seasons, trilogies, and the like.

Problem: Completing Collections

A first known problem is that users often like to have these complete collections of series, such as for example “all Star Wars films,” or “all episodes of Survivor,” or “all films with Kate Beckinsale in them,” or “all films directed by Quentin Tarantino.” Unfortunately, it is difficult for the user to maintain the knowledge of which films they already own, and it would be undesirable for the user to buy multiple copies of movies as they try to complete a collection.

This problem is described herein with regard to collections of movies (such as imprinted on physical media like DVD's), but in general the described problem also applies to other types of collections, such as collections of music, collections of baseball cards, collections of coins, collections of books, collections of postage stamps, and the like.

Aspects of this problem are that “collections” of series might be defined in many different ways:

Easy Definitions of Collections

-   -   The collection might be predefined by the seller, such as for         example, all “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” episodes.     -   The collection might be defined by a third party (not the         seller), such as for example, predefined by a third party.

More Complex Definitions

-   -   The collection or database might be defined in either a dynamic         or static manner:         -   An example of a collection defined in a static manner might             include “all movies made in the 1930's”.         -   An example of a collection defined in a dynamic manner might             include “all movies with Kate Beckinsale in them,” as a new             movie might be released next year meeting that criterion.             Another example of a collection defined in a dynamic manner             might include the “all time greatest selling 40 movies,” as             a new movie might cause that collection to change.     -   The collection or database might be defined in either an         objective or subjective manner:         -   An example of a collection defined in a subjective manner             might include those approved by a known critic or expert on             a particular genre, perhaps with bookmarks or clippings             included with the other media. One such example might             include “Steve Swernofsky's 50 favorite movies and             commentary thereon.”         -   An example of a collection defined in a subjective manner             might include those that are private to an individual             person, such as for example, “my favorite driving songs,”             “my favorite horror movies,” or “my favorite science fiction             thrillers without any aliens.” In one embodiment, access to             these private collections might be restricted to the user             who created them.         -   An example of a collection defined in a subjective manner             might include a collection defined by interaction between a             universal collection or database of possible items, and a             query specifying a sub-collection of that universal             collection or database. The “universal” collection or             database itself, and the query applied to that database,             might themselves be either or both dynamic or static.             -   Once a collection is completely purchased, that                 collection might be updated by circumstances, such as                 when new media streams are produced or released for                 distribution. A collection of “all Star Wars films”                 would be updated every time there is a new such film,                 and a collection of “all episodes of the Sopranos” would                 be updated every time there is a new such episode                 (possibly as often as once per week). It is an object of                 the invention to make it easy for the users to update                 and complete their collections.             -   Although queries applied to databases are often thought                 of as being Boolean in nature, involving comparisons,                 AND, and OR operators, there is no particular                 requirement in embodiments of the invention for                 restriction thereto. For example, a weighted distance or                 similarity metric, such as described in the “mosaic”                 application, might be workable, or other clustering                 techniques might be used.

Collections Defined In Response To Their Elements

-   -   In yet another example, the collection itself might be defined         (consciously or unconsciously) by a user in a way that is         difficult to describe in a structured way. The likes and         dislikes of a user for media streams might typically involve one         or more genres, such as “action” films, or “western” films, but         it can be difficult to easily present all films likely to be         wanted by the user in a convenient and easily-understood format.         A collector of coins might only like gold coins and not silver         coins or only gold coins that predate 1100BC.         -   Similarly, it might be difficult for the user to easily             express what genres or collections they are looking for. For             example, selecting all film versions of Shakespearean plays,             including take-offs such as “West Side Story,” might be             quite inconvenient for the user to specify. This problem is             similar if the user likes a particular genre, but dislikes a             particular subgenre, such as liking all westerns except for             those starring Ronald Reagan.

Partial Solutions: Completing Collections

Partial solutions to this known problem involve making it easier for the user to determine those items that fall within the collection the user wishes to define, with the effect of allowing the user to make purchases to complete collections of objects.

-   -   Speculative download or speculative ingestion allow the user to         watch a movie with only the difficulty of entering payment         information. However, this can still be a problem when the user         indicates an entire group of movies to purchase, as a bulk         purchase might involve entering payment information repeatedly.         One known solution is the “shopping cart” model, but this does         not offer the user any sense of security that their collection         will be made complete.     -   The “guide” and “mosaic” techniques for presentation of movie         titles or movie posters allow the user to more easily determine         which items are “close” to particular items selected by the         user, but there is still a difficulty in distinguishing which of         those movies are already owned by the user (and thus available         for immediate presentation) and which are not yet owned by the         user (and thus only available after download or ingestion).     -   The “guide” and “mosaic” techniques for presentation also allow         the user to more easily determine whether a particular item is         “near” the preferences expressed by the user, but there is still         a problem with relating user preferences (explicitly or         implicitly specified) to suggested titles to buy, and there is         no guarantee that a user will not accidentally purchase an item         they already own.

Problem: How to “Complete” A Collection

A problem is that absence from the user's portion of the collection might be defined in one of multiple ways:

Multiple Copies: Most users will desire to own only one copy of any particular item, especially in the case of media streams. However, for some users, such as lending libraries or purchasers of multiple licenses to software, it might be desirable to own more than one copy of the media stream. In these cases, it might be desirable to ask the user for a criterion as to when the collection is complete, such as how many copies make for a “complete” collection.

Multiple Prices: It might sometimes be less expensive to purchase an entire collection rather than to purchase the individual items needed to complete that collection. Alternatively, there might be other collections sold as a unit that (individually or when grouped together) would allow the user to complete that collection. In these cases, it would be advantageous for the user to want to obtain the best possible coverage at the least cost.

Multiple Rights. Most users will desire, for each particular item, to own one copy of that item outright. However, for some types of items, especially media streams, the user might already have some rights to that item. In these cases, it would be advantageous for the user not to duplicate the rights they have in any particular item.

Multiple Versions. Most users will desire, for each particular item, to have only one version of that item. However, for some types of items (especially media streams), or for some users (especially avid collectors), it might be desirable to ask the user whether distinct versions should be considered different for purposes of completing the collection. For example, some users might prefer to have both the French version and the English version of the movie “Barbarella,” while others would prefer to have only one or the other version.

Problem: Not Purchasing Duplicates

A problem is that, subject to the “multiple copies” problem described above, it would be advantageous to not order anything the user already owns. Accordingly, it would be preferable if it were easily possible to determine what the user owns without having to obtain any relatively large amount of information from the user.

In one embodiment, a system might keep a log of all media streams already owned by the user or a log of all media streams that have been imported by the user into the system, with the effect of incrementally providing the same result.

In alternative embodiments, a system might keep a log of hash ID's or secure hashes of known inputs, with the effect of providing the same results.

In still other embodiments, a system might use physical detection, such as RFID or GPS, to determine if physical objects are in fact owned by the user, with the effect of providing the same results. This embodiment would be effective when the objects themselves are physical and cannot easily be tracked electronically.

In still other embodiments, a system might include software and/or hardware associated with each owned object that announces the presence of that object.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a technique for being able to conveniently purchase collections of objects without duplicate purchases of objects in those collections already owned by the user. These and other advantages are described in other and further detail below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides techniques, including methods and systems, as described below, capable of facilitating user interaction with a computing device such as a server device, with the effect of being able to conveniently purchase one or more items with the effect of providing the user with ownership of a substantially complete collection of items, and without duplication of items the user already has or is about to purchase, unless the user so desires such duplication.

Similarly, the invention also provides techniques, including methods and systems, as described below, capable of replenishing inventory as requested by the user. Unlike a fixed standing order, the user's existing inventory can be detected, and a vendor-designated addition to that inventory provided for the user's approval. The provided techniques are adjustable to provide for completing collections, where those collections might include only individual copies of each element, or might include multiple copies of selected elements. In some preferred embodiments, the actual values of the number of elements actually possessed by the user and the number of elements proffered by the vendor might change from time to time, with the techniques also checking those numbers from time to time, and requesting user approval for updating the user's existing inventory.

Similarly, the invention also provides techniques, including methods and systems, as described below, capable of distinguishing among multiple types of rights and multiple versions of products or services in the user's existing inventory. The provided techniques are adjustable to provide for actions as described above, including making those distinctions and either (1) preferring selected types of rights or versions as proffered by the vendor or requested by the user, or (2) obtaining the user's preference when those different types of rights or versions are available. Similarly to numerical count, in some preferred embodiments, the actual multiple types of rights and multiple versions of products or services actually possessed by the user or proffered by the vendor might change from time to time, with the techniques also checking those distinctions from time to time and acting accordingly.

After reading this application, those skilled in the art would recognize that the invention provides an enabling technology by which substantial advance is made in the art of user interfaces, particularly for collections, and more generally for doing business with relatively large databases. For example, the invention might be used to provide one or more of, or some combination or extension or mixture of, any of the following:

-   -   Assisting a user in substantially completing a collection of         goods or services, such as a collection of rights to media         streams already partially owned by the user, with the effect of         leveraging the user's probable desire to complete partial         collections. For example, users with home collections of media         streams might wish to create or maintain collections of         substantially all media streams in a particular genre or series.     -   Assisting a user in substantially replenishing an inventory of         goods or services, such as a inventory of rights to media         streams already partially owned by the user, with the effect of         allowing the user to easily maintain a level of inventory         without having to review that inventory from time to time. For         example, users with retail businesses, or who have a use for         goods or services which consume those goods or services from         time to time, might wish to create or maintain a substantially         regular inventory of those goods or services.     -   Assisting a user in maintaining or creating a collection of         goods or services compatible with that user's preferences,         without the user having to explicitly describe the nature of         that collection. For example, users who desire particular sets         of media streams, but whose preferences are not easily described         with respect to particular collections, descriptive terms, or         genres that are standard among those proffered by vendors.     -   Collecting and using information about express or implied user         preferences, such as in response to preferred media streams         selected by users from a relatively large database. For example,         with this information, users might be presented with         collections, descriptive terms, or genres that are not standard         among those proffered by vendors, and offered the opportunity to         substantially complete collections with respect to those         preferences.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide techniques, including methods and systems, capable of facilitating user interaction with a computing device such as a server device, with the effect of being able to conveniently purchase one or more items with the effect of providing the user with ownership of a substantially complete collection of items, and without duplication of items the user already has or is about to purchase, unless the user so desires such duplication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system capable of facilitating user interaction with a computing device such as a server device.

FIG. 2 shows an illustration of a screen for user editing of collection models in a system for sales of bundled collections excluding those already purchased.

FIG. 3 shows a process flow diagram for sales of bundled collections excluding those already purchased.

INCORPORATED DISCLOSURE

This application incorporates by reference and claims priority of at least the following documents.

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/418,739, filed Apr. 18,         2003, attorney docket number 217. 1018.01, titled “Mosaic-Like         User Interface for Video Selection and Display”.     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/418,949, filed Apr. 18,         2003, attorney docket number 217.1017.01, titled “Grid-Like         Guided User Interface for Video Selection and Display”.     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/964,566, filed Oct. 12,         2004, in the names of inventors Stephen WATSON and Michael         MALCOLM, attorney docket number 217.1024.01, titled “Distinct         Display of Media Streams Not Owned by a User”.     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/964,565, filed Oct. 12,         2004, in the names of inventors Stephen WATSON and Lawrence         KESTELOOT, attorney docket number 217.1030.01, titled “Separable         Presentation Control Rules with Distinct Control Effects”.     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/932,330, filed Aug. 31,         2004, in the names of inventors Lawrence KESTELOOT, Paul         RECHSTEINER, and Michael MALCOLM, attorney docket number         217.1031.01, titled “Unique Features in Multiple DVD Sets”.     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/936,789, filed Sep. 8, 2004,         in the names of inventors Ian EPPERSON, Lawrence KESTELOOT, and         Stephen WATSON, attorney docket number 217.1032.01, titled         “Touch Panel User Inter-face”.

These documents are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, and are sometimes referred to herein as the “incorporated disclosure”. Inventions described herein can be used in combination or conjunction with technology described in the incorporated disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the description herein, a preferred embodiment of the invention is described, including preferred process steps and data structures. Those skilled in the art would realize, after perusal of this application, that embodiments of the invention might be implemented using a variety of other techniques not specifically described, without undue experimentation or further invention, and that such other techniques would be within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Definitions

The general meaning of each of these following terms is intended to be illustrative and in no way limiting.

-   -   The phrases “media stream”, and the like, describe information         intended for presentation in a sequence, such as motion pictures         including a sequence of frames or fields, or such as audio         including a sequence of sounds. As used herein, the phrase         “media stream” has a broader meaning than the standard meaning         for “streaming media,” (of sound and pictures that are         transmitted continuously using packets and that start to play         before all of the content arrives). Rather, as described herein,         there is no particular requirement that “media streams” must be         delivered continuously. Also as described herein, media streams         can refer to other information for presentation, such as for         example animation or sound, as well as to still media, such as         for example pictures or illustrations, and also to databases and         other collections of information.     -   The phrases “digital content”, and the like, describe data in a         digital format, intended to represent media streams or other         information for presentation to an end viewer. “Digital content”         is distinguished from packaging information; such as for example         message header information. For the two phrases “digital         content” and “media stream,” the former describes a selected         encoding of the latter, while the latter describes a result of         presenting any encoding thereof.     -   The term “DVD”, the phrase “digital versatile disc”, and the         like, describe a technology standard capable of storing data.     -   The phrases “digital media,” and the like, describe physical         media capable of maintaining digital content in an accessible         form. Digital media includes disk drives (including magnetic,         optical, or magneto-optical disk drives), as well as any other         physical media capable of maintaining information, such as         digital content.     -   The phrases “DVD media content format,” and the like, describe a         family of encoding formats including DVD-audio and DVD-video         (such as for example used with media including digital video         disks or equivalents thereof). DVD media content format is a         specific example of one of many possible formats in which         digital content might be encoded.     -   The phrases “digital media,” and the like, describe physical         media capable of maintaining digital content in an accessible         form. Digital media includes disk drives (including magnetic,         optical, or magneto-optical disk drives), as well as any other         physical media capable of maintaining information, such as         digital content.     -   The terms “playback,” “presentation,” and the like, describe         presentation (such as for example to one or more users) of         audio, visual, or other features of media streams.     -   The phrase “content server”, and the like, describe devices (or         portions thereof, or sets of such devices or portions thereof)         capable of sending digital content to recipients. For example, a         content server might include a web server at which a user is         provided the capability of purchasing digital media for         download. In the context of the invention, there is no         particular requirement that the server be (logically or         physically) located at any particular address or place, or have         any particular architecture, or use any particular protocol for         communication. For example, the content server might include a         process logically available to a local presentation device.

The scope and spirit of the invention is not limited to any of these definitions, or to specific examples mentioned therein, but is intended to include the most general concepts embodied by these and other terms.

System Elements

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system capable of facilitating user interaction with a computing device such as a server device.

A system 100 includes elements shown in FIG. 1, plus possibly other elements as described in the incorporated disclosure. These elements include at least a server device 110, a local library 120, at least one client device 130, and a user 140.

The server device 110 includes elements shown in FIG. 1, plus possibly other elements as described in the incorporated disclosure. In one embodiment, these elements include at least a media object database 111, a communication link 112, and optionally a set of digital content 113 (or at least the capability for accessing digital content 113 from another device) as well as at least a processor, a main memory, mass storage, and software for executing instructions capable of operating the server device 110 consistent with the invention as further described herein. In one embodiment, the server device 110 includes at least a portion that is either physically, functionally, or logically remote from the local library 120. In one embodiment, the server device 110 is capable of downloading digital content 113, as described in the incorporated disclosure, in a cryptographically secure manner, also as described in the incorporated disclosure.

The media object database 111 includes elements shown in FIG. 1, plus possibly other elements as described in the incorporated disclosure. These elements include at least the following information.

-   -   Information ilia describing metadata associated with media         objects, such as for example—a set of titles, actors, directors,         genres, producers, ratings (e.g., motion picture ratings for sex         or violence), release dates, remakes, sequels or prequels,         series (e.g., ordering in a sequence of motion pictures of         television episodes), or other and further associated works.     -   Information 111 b describing the media object itself, such as         for example a set of digital content comprising the media object         or elements thereof.     -   Information 111 c describing preferences expressed by other         users or groups of users, such as for example a set of awards,         collaborative preference information, recommendations or reviews         (either by designated experts or friends), or other and further         preference information about the media objects.     -   Information 111 d not specifically related to media objects,         such as for example, in a more generalized database, a set of         access control information, access frequency, recently of access         or alteration, or other and further information not specific to         media streams.

Information 111 a describing metadata includes elements shown in FIG. 1, plus possibly other elements as described in the incorporated disclosure. These elements include at least information specific to a particular media stream, group of media streams, or other databases or information. This information might include both information intrinsic to a media stream (such as for example actors, aspect ratio, MPAA rating, or running time) and information extrinsic to the media stream and associated therewith (such as for example price or availability).

The communication link 112 includes elements shown in FIG. 1, plus possibly other elements as described in the incorporated disclosure. In one embodiment, the communication link 112 includes internet access. More generally, the communication link 112 might include any possible technique for communication, presently known or unknown.

Digital content 113 includes elements shown in FIG. 1, plus possibly other elements as described in the incorporated disclosure. These elements include at least audio, video, and combinations thereof as used to present sound and images. For example, but without limitation, digital content 113 can represent media streams 111, such as for example including movies and songs as might be present on physical media such as Compact Discs, DVDs, Digital Audio Tape, and any other types of electronic computer storage devices.

A local library 120 includes elements shown in FIG. 1, plus possibly other elements as described in the incorporated disclosure. These elements might include the following information.

-   -   Information 121 a describing metadata associated with media         objects, similar to information 111 a described above.     -   Information 121 b describing the media object itself, similar to         information 111 b described above.     -   Information 121 c describing preferences expressed by users of         the local library 120, similar to information 111 c described         above.     -   Information 121 d not specifically related to media objects, and         particular to the local library, similar to information 111 d         described above.

A client device 130 includes elements shown in FIG. 1, plus possibly other elements as described in the incorporated disclosure. These elements include at least at least one presentation device 131, at least one input device 132, a mass storage, and software for executing instructions (not shown, but understood by one skilled in the art), as well as at least a processor, main memory, and storage. This software preferably includes communications and control software capable of operating the client device 130 consistent with the invention as further explained herein.

The presentation device 131 includes elements shown in FIG. 1, plus possibly other elements as described in the incorporated disclosure. These elements include at least a device capable of presenting information as described above. The presentation device 131 may include a CRT (such as a television or RGB type computer monitor), flat panel display, a projection display or screen, or other or further types of devices for displaying or presenting information. In one embodiment, the client device 130 and the presentation device 131 are included in separate physical devices; however, in the context of the invention there is no particular requirement therefor. In alternative embodiments, the client device 130 and the presentation device 131 may be included in one device, or other or further types of systems not described herein.

The input device 132 includes elements shown in FIG. 1, plus possibly other elements as described in the incorporated disclosure. These elements include at least a device capable of receiving information, such as for example commands or information. In a preferred embodiment, the input device 132 includes a touch screen. In alternative embodiments, the input device 132 may include any combination of a computer keyboard and computer mouse, track-ball, touch screen, television remote control, or other or further devices not described herein.

A user 140 includes elements shown in FIG. 1, plus possibly other elements as described in the incorporated disclosure. These elements include at least a human user, or a substitute therefore, such as for example a computer program capable of acting on behalf of a human user (or a group thereof), or an Artificial Intelligence capable of expressing preferences similarly to a human user.

User Interface Concepts

FIG. 2 shows an illustration of a screen for user editing of collection models in a system for sales of bundled collections excluding those already purchased.

In a preferred embodiment the user 140 customizes parameters of the system to make the system more responsive and efficient to their needs. This is not a requirement as the system includes its own set of default values.

Customizable parameters are stored in the user data 139 and include; 1) collection models 145, 2) payment data, and 3) other information.

Collection models 145 include specific information defining the attributes necessary for a media stream ill to be included in that collection model 145. The system 100 includes many predefined collection models 145. New collection models 145 can be created and existing ones can be edited. For example, but without limitation, a collection model 145 could include the following attributes:

-   -   1. Science fiction     -   2. Includes time travel     -   3. Does not include aliens     -   4. Includes martial arts     -   5. Set on Earth     -   6. 1990 release or later     -   7. Hollywood production     -   8. Widescreen aspect ratios only

Attributes for collection models 145 are preferably predefined such that they can be correlated with similar information available at the server device 110. The user 140 may at any time define a new collection model 145 by selecting a set of attributes and grouping them under a title, such as, “Modern Action Time Travel Movies.” Preferably, the user 140 defines the title and then selects which attributes to include. The selection process in easily accomplished using lists, dropdown menus, dialog boxes, and similar selection techniques known in the art.

A collection model 145 includes not only information intrinsic to the media stream 111, but also to the externally related factors, such as, what price the user 140 is willing to pay and payment type (Visa, American Express, etc.).

Collection models 145 are specifically advantageous where bundled collections of media streams 111 are concerned. The client device 130 is in regular contact with the server device 110. If a user 140 has defined a collection model 145 that identifies a now available media stream 111, the media stream 111 can be purchased and delivered to the user 140 such that the overall collection of a user 140 remains up-to-date.

For example, a user 140 may have defined a simple collection model 145 as follows:

-   -   1. Media stream main title: The Sopranos     -   2. Auto purchase any new release (Visa)     -   3. Do not purchase duplicative special editions etc.     -   4. Price compare active

Using the collection model 145 above, the system 100 would auto purchase any new release of the “Sopranos” cable television series and charge it to a Visa Card. The system would not purchase any special editions of episodes already owned. The system would price compare buying any newly released episodes individually against buying them as a set to determine if buying the set is cheaper even though it may mean duplication of some media streams 111.

The system also includes automatically generated and default collection models 145 and collection models 145 supplied in the system 100. An example of supplied collection models 145 includes:

-   -   Musicals (1950-1959)     -   Spaghetti Westerns directed by Sergio Leone     -   Star Wars     -   Starring: Cameron Diaz     -   Saturday Night Live     -   Days of Our Lives (1989-1991)     -   Directed by: Stephen Spielberg     -   Composed by: John Williams     -   Hong Kong Chop Socky (1970-1979)

The system 100 can generate collection models 145 automatically by analyzing user data 139, digital content 113, the client database 137, and digital content metadata 125. For example, the system may determine that the actor most often found on media streams 111 owned by the user 140 is Al Pacino. The system can then automatically create a collection model 145 that will alert the user 140 when new movies are released starring Al Pacino, or the system may suggest to the user 140 the existing movies starring Al Pacino that the user 140 does not own. Trailers or excerpts from such movies can be made available to the user 140 to promote a sale.

Automatically generated collection models 145 may be saved or discarded by the user 140. The user 140 may also take a collection model 145 automatically generated by the system 100 and use it as a starting point for creating new collection models 145. Thus, in the previous example, the user 140 could take the Al Pacino collection model 145 and modify it to include only movies starring Al Pacino from 1972 through 1984. Collection models 145 may also be shared between a first user 140 and a second user 140. New collection models 145 may also be available from a vendor individually or as collections. Generally, a fee is charged by the vendor for additional vendor-supplied collection models 145.

When more than one user 140 uses the same system, each user 140 may chose to lock their collection models 145 and their portion of the media streams. This allows a user 140 to keep their preferences private and confidential.

The number of attributes associated with digital content grows daily. New media streams 111, crew, cast members, and the like are being created as a part of the entertainment industry. Thus, every unit of digital content 113 purchased by a user 140 has the possibility of being an object of a new automatically generated collection model 145. The user 140 has the ability to adjust a set of options that control automatically generated collection models 145. These options include (but are not limited to) the ability to set field thresholds, field matching values, and field aggregate values. By setting at least some of these values appropriately, the system 100 would not query the user 140 with a question, such as “you own (1) movie starring John Wayne, would you like to complete your collection by purchasing the other 173?” The user 140 could in this case set the threshold to be prompted when the percentage of movies necessary to complete a collection based on a starring movie actor is less than 10%.

Thus, the system 100 operates either in some level of a default mode to locate digital content 113 likely to be of interest of the user 140 and either queries the user 140 for purchase instructions or automatically purchases the media streams 111, or the system 100 operates in a user-customized mode to locate digital content 113 specifically identified by the user 140 to have a high probability of being desired and either queries the user 140 for purchase instructions or automatically purchases the digital content 113.

The user 140 may define their own attributes. Attributes may be defined statically or dynamically. For example, but without limitation, a statically defined attribute may include the era that a movie is set in. A derived attribute can include logic that calculates the ratio of male to female actors in a movie or collection of movies. This feature is preferably supported using a user-editable language and/or a set of attributes stored in a library that are user-definable and otherwise editable.

The system presents, for example, a set of elements on a screen where the elements represent collections or bundles of objects, such as movies. The system can present the elements differently in response to:

-   -   whether the objects are offered as part of a collection;     -   whether the objects are offered at a discount if purchased         together;     -   and the like.

The system presents a set of elements on screen with the effect that some elements represent “bundles”, that is, collections of objects. The user 140 can select one or more elements and the system performs an action in response to the user's selection. The action the system performs can be:

-   -   Buy all the objects in the bundles represented by the selected         elements without fear of duplication of objects in the bundles         or already owned by the user, unless so desired. That is, no         object already owned by the user 140 will be in the current set         of objects being purchased, unless the user 140 SO desires. For         example, if a user 140 is buying a collection known as “Prison         Escape Movies” and is also buying a collection known as “The         Steve McQueen Collection”, the system would not only avoid         purchasing movies that the user 140 already owns but would also         avoid buying duplicates of titles that are common to both         collections. In this case, it is likely that “The Great Escape”         would be in both collections. In some cases, certain movies may         only be offered as sets and then duplication would be         unavoidable.     -   Try-and-buy, rent, view an advertisement for, or enjoy another         enticement for, all the objects in the bundles represented by         the selected elements without fear of duplication of objects in         the bundles or already owned by the user 140, unless so desired.         Method of Operation

FIG. 3 shows a process flow diagram for sales of bundled collections excluding those already purchased.

A method 300 includes a set of flow points and steps. Although described serially, these flow points and steps of the method 300 can be performed by separate elements in conjunction or in parallel, whether a synchronously or synchronously, in a pipelined manner, or otherwise. There is no particular requirement that the flow points or steps must be performed in the same order as described, except where explicitly so indicated.

At a flow point 310, the system is ready to process a request 141.

At a step 311, the client device 130 sends a request 141 to the server device 110. The request 141 includes information regarding collection models 145 that specifically or generally identify movies or movie types the user 140 is looking for to complete movie collections.

At a step 313, the server device 110 receives the request 141.

At a step 315, the server device 110 processes the request 141. Since a request 141 can contain many facets of information, the request 141 can be parsed into separate components to be handled at the server device 110. The availability of specifically identified media stream titles can be searched in the server database 123 as can statically and dynamically identified media streams 111 through the associated digital content metadata 125. Thus if the user 140 has identified criteria that states they always purchase XXX rated movies starring Busty Bubbles, the MPAA rating and movie star can be gleaned from the digital content metadata 125.

At a step 317, the server device 110 sends a response 143 to the client device 130.

At a step 319, the client device 130 receives a response 143 from the server device 110. The response 143 may require parsing at the client device 130. The response 143 preferably includes the results of the request 141. If no new media streams 111 are available that meet the parameters of the request 141, the response 143 includes a message to the user 140 informing them of this fact. Other information may be included, such as identification of media streams 111 that may be of interest to the user 140, but which did not exactly match a collection model 145. If new media streams 111 desired by the user 140 have been identified, the system informs the user 140 of such. The user 140 may or may not have asked that the system 100 inform him of the availability before purchasing.

The ability of the system 100 to optionally (at the command of the user 140) notify the user 140 of the availability of media streams 111 without automatically purchasing them gives the user 140 additional flexibility in completing their collections. For example, the user 140 may have set up a collection model 145 entitled “Haunted Hollow 1-2-3.” The user 140 may not have seen the final installment of the trilogy, and even though they liked the first movie, worry it may be as bad as the second installment they just saw and thus may not want the third installment.

If the response 143 to the user 140 indicates that one or more movies meet the parameters of a collection model 145 and includes asking the user 140 to give the goahead, an additional step 319A is required. At step 319A, the user 140 either desires or declines a purchase. If the user 140 declines, no payment is sent and no purchase transaction is executed. If the user 140 desires to make the purchase, a separate request 141 is sent that includes collection model parameters for the specific media stream 111 in question along with automatic payment criteria.

At a step 321, the client device 130 updates the client database 137 with information contained in the response 143. If a media stream 111 has been automatically purchased, the client database 137 would be updated to indicate the purchase and the status of the media stream 111 (for example: purchased & in-transit, purchased & available, purchased & pending release). An invoice may also be included in the response 143. In a preferred embodiment, media streams 111 are sent independently of the response 143. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, media streams 111 are included as part of a response 143.

At a step 323, the server device 110 sends one or more media streams 111 to the client device 130. In the case of non-electronically transferable objects, the objects are delivered in a method consistent with the object type, such as by U.S. Mail, United Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express, and the like.

At a step 325, the client device 130 receives the media streams 111. The media streams 111 are stored on the client mass storage 135. The client device 130 updates the client database 137 to indicate that the media streams 111 are now present on the client mass storage 135 and available for viewing by the user 140.

At a flow point 327, a request 141 has been processed.

Alternative Embodiments

Although preferred embodiments are disclosed herein, many variations are possible which remain within the concept, scope, and spirit of the invention. These variations would become clear to those skilled in the art after perusal of this application.

For example, the invention is not restricted to media stream collection, but is also applicable to all collectables and objects that may be logically grouped, such as for example Lladro, baseball cards, books, postage stamps, coins, toys, computer games, and to presentation of databases and other collections of information, or of user interfaces associated with operating systems or application software.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, after perusal of this application, that these alternative embodiments are illustrative and in no way limiting. 

1. A method including steps of maintaining a first database and a second database, said first database logically related to a user and said second database logically related to a vendor, each database including a list of one or more items; defining a set of characteristics for each said item, said characteristics indicative of intrinsic and extrinsic features of said items; grouping logically into collections those items in said first database and said second database based on said defining; identifying in said first database, for each collection in said second database where at least one item of said second database collection is present in said first database collection, items in said second database collection that would complete said first database collection with the addition of said items to said first database collection; and purchasing items for said first database based of said identifying.
 2. A method of claim 1, wherein said defining a set of characteristics is provided by a combination of a vendor and a user.
 3. A method of claim 1, wherein said intrinsic features include a combination of: 1) aspect ratio, 2) cast and crew, 3) media stream lengths, 4) MPAA rating, 5) audio encoding, and 6) extra footage.
 4. A method of claim 1, wherein said extrinsic features include a combination of: 1) price, 2) availability, 3) user preferences, and 4) vendor preferences.
 5. A method of claim 1, wherein said grouping is based on an intrinsic feature.
 6. A method of claim 1, wherein said grouping is based on an extrinsic feature.
 7. A method of claim 1, wherein said grouping is based on a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic features.
 8. A method including steps of maintaining a first database and a second database, said first database logically related to a user and said second database logically related to a vendor, each database including a list of one or more items; defining one or more collection models, each said collection model including a set of features indicative of a class of preferred items; identifying, using a collection model, at least one item in said second database not present in said first database; and purchasing items for said first database based of said identifying.
 9. A method of claim 8, wherein said defining is predefined by a system provider.
 10. A method of claim 8, including steps of defining one or more features to be used in a collection model; selecting from a set of features a subset of features to be grouped into a collection model; storing one or more collection models in said first database.
 11. A method including steps of maintaining a first database and a second database, said first database logically related to a user and said second database logically related to a vendor, each database including a list of one or more items; associating a set of features to each said item in said first database; analyzing said first database, based on said features, to identify logical relationships between said items, said analyzing including aggregate information. generating at least one collection model based on said analyzing; executing said collection model on said second database wherein a list of items are identified as matching the features of said collection model; and identifying to a user said list, wherein any item on said list already owned by said user is excluded.
 12. A method of claim 11, wherein said features include: 1) aspect ratio, 2) cast and crew, 3) media stream lengths, 4) MPAA rating, 5) audio encoding, 6) extra footage, 7) price, 8) availability, 9) user preferences, and lo) vendor preferences.
 13. A method of claim 11, wherein a user selects an item on said list to purchase.
 14. A method of claim 11, wherein an item on said list is purchased automatically based on criteria specified by said user.
 15. A method of claim 11, wherein a user defines at least one threshold value for said aggregate information; said list excluding those items not exceeding said threshold value.
 16. A method of claim 11, wherein promotional materials are made available to said user based on said list.
 17. A method of claim 11, including steps of identifying at least one item on said list available at said second database as being sold as part of a bundle of items, wherein a purchase of said bundle would assist in completing a collection while duplicating at least one existing item in said first database; calculating the difference between buying individual items to complete a collection versus buying said bundle; and purchasing one or more items based on said calculating.
 18. A method, including steps of defining a collection having a set of included rights at a selected time; comparing a set of rights associated with a user substantially at that selected time; receiving information associated with that collection from that user; and initiating a commercial transaction, whose completion would have the effect of causing that set of rights to include substantially all the included rights in that collection, with only such duplication of any of those included rights as explicitly requested by that user.
 19. A method as in claim 18, including steps of from time to time, re-performing those steps of (1) comparing, and (2) initiating; whereby at least one such set of rights associated with that user is maintained substantially current.
 20. A method as in claim 18, including steps of receiving information from that user associated with a degree of duplication for at least some of those included rights; wherein completion of that commercial transaction would have the effect of causing that set of rights to include substantially all the included rights in that collection, with only such duplication of any of those included rights as included in that degree of duplication.
 21. A method as in claim 18, wherein that collection is defined at least in part in response to a vendor of those included rights.
 22. A method as in claim 18, wherein that collection is defined at least in part in response to an objective feature of each of those included rights.
 23. A method as in claim 18, wherein those included rights are defined at least in part in response to a set of goods or services.
 24. A method as in claim 18, wherein those included rights are defined at least in part in response to a set of media streams.
 25. A method as in claim 18, including steps of determining, in response to those steps of comparing, a first possible commercial transaction and a second possible commercial transaction, each having the effect of causing that set of rights to include substantially all the included rights in that collection, with only such duplication of any of those included rights as explicitly requested by that user; and comparing that first possible commercial transaction with that second possible commercial transaction; wherein those steps of initiating a commercial transaction are responsive to those steps of comparing that first possible commercial transaction with that second possible commercial transaction.
 26. A method as in claim 25, wherein a result of those steps of comparing that first possible commercial transaction with that second possible commercial transaction includes a selection of a fastest such commercial transaction.
 27. A method as in claim 25, wherein a result of those steps of comparing that first possible commercial transaction with that second possible commercial transaction includes a selection of a least expensive such commercial transaction.
 28. A method as in claim 18, wherein those included rights are defined at least in part in response to that set of rights already associated with that user.
 29. A method as in claim 28, including steps of performing a clustering operation on at least some of that set of rights associated with that user; and defining at least one collection in response to that clustering operation.
 30. A method as in claim 28, including steps of performing a clustering operation on at least some of that set of rights associated with that user; defining at least one collection in response to that clustering operation; and presenting an indicator of that at least one collection for selection or deselection.
 31. A method as in claim 18, wherein those steps of comparing are responsive to a set of distinct versions possible to be associated with individual elements of that collection; and that commercial transaction is responsive to a selected one of those versions.
 32. A method as in claim 31, including steps of presenting at least some of those distinct versions at a user interface; and receiving information at least in part responsive to those steps of presenting, that information being indicative of a selection or de-selection of at least some of those distinct versions.
 33. A method as in claim 31, wherein that selected one of those distinct versions is at least in part responsive to a cost comparison.
 34. A method as in claim 31, wherein that selected one of those distinct versions is at least in part responsive to a relative commercial transaction speed.
 35. A method as in claim 31, wherein that selected one of those distinct versions is at least in part responsive to a user preference.
 36. A method as in claim 18, wherein those steps of comparing are responsive to a set of distinct types of rights possible to be associated with individual elements of that collection; and that commercial transaction is responsive to a selected one of those distinct types of rights.
 37. A method as in claim 36, including steps of presenting at least some of those distinct types of rights at a user interface; and receiving information at least in part responsive to those steps of presenting, that information being indicative of a selection or de-selection of at least some of those distinct types of rights.
 38. A method as in claim 36, wherein that selected one of those distinct types of rights is at least in part responsive to a cost comparison.
 39. A method as in claim 36, wherein that selected one of those distinct types of rights is at least in part responsive to a relative commercial transaction speed.
 40. A method as in claim 36, wherein that selected one of those distinct types of rights is at least in part responsive to a user preference.
 41. Apparatus including means for maintaining a first database and a second database, said first database logically related to a user and said second database logically related to a vendor, each database including a list of one or more items; means for defining a set of characteristics for each said item, said characteristics indicative of intrinsic and extrinsic features of said items; means for grouping logically into collections those items in said first database and said second database based on said defining; means for identifying in said first database, for each collection in said second database where at least one item of said second database collection is present in said first database collection, items in said second database collection that would complete said first database collection with the addition of said items to said first database collection; and means for purchasing items for said first database based of said identifying.
 42. Apparatus as in claim 41, wherein said means for defining a set of characteristics is provided by a combination of a vendor and a user.
 43. Apparatus as in claim 41, wherein said intrinsic features include a combination of: 1) aspect ratio, 2) cast and crew, 3) media stream lengths, 4) MPAA rating, 5) audio encoding, and 6) extra footage.
 44. Apparatus as in claim 41, wherein said extrinsic features include a combination of: 1) price, 2) availability, 3) user preferences, and 4) vendor preferences.
 45. Apparatus as in claim 41, wherein said means for grouping is based on an intrinsic feature.
 46. Apparatus as in claim 41, wherein said means for grouping is based on an extrinsic feature.
 47. Apparatus as in claim 41, wherein said means for grouping is based on a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic features.
 48. Apparatus including means for maintaining a first database and a second database, said first database logically related to a user and said second database logically related to a vendor, each database including a list of one or more items; means for defining one or more collection models, each said collection model including a set of features indicative of a class of preferred items; means for identifying, using a collection model, at least one item in said second database not present in said first database; and means for purchasing items for said first database based of said identifying.
 49. Apparatus as in claim 48, wherein said means for defining is predefined by a system provider.
 50. Apparatus as in claim 48, including means for defining one or more features to be used in a collection model; means for selecting from a set of features a subset of features to be grouped into a collection model; and means for storing one or more collection models in said first database.
 51. Apparatus including means for maintaining a first database and a second database, said first database logically related to a user and said second database logically related to a vendor, each database including a list of one or more items; means for associating a set of features to each said item in said first database; means for analyzing said first database, based on said features, to identify logical relationships between said items, said means for analyzing including aggregate information. means for generating at least one collection model in response to said steps of analyzing; means for executing said collection model on said second database wherein a list of items are identified as matching the features of said collection model; and means for identifying to a user said list, wherein any item on said list already owned by said user is excluded.
 52. Apparatus as in claim 51, wherein said features include: 1) aspect ratio, 2) cast and crew, 3) media stream lengths, 4) MPAA rating, 5) audio encoding, 6) extra footage, 7) price, 8) availability, 9) user preferences, and 10) vendor preferences.
 53. Apparatus as in claim 51, including means for selecting an item on said list to purchase.
 54. Apparatus as in claim 51, including means for automatically purchasing an item on said list in response to criteria specified by said user.
 55. Apparatus as in claim 51, including means for defining at least one threshold value for said aggregate information; said list excluding those items not exceeding said threshold value.
 56. Apparatus as in claim 51, including means for providing promotional materials to said user in response to said list.
 57. Apparatus of claim 51, including means for identifying at least one item on said list available at said second database as being sold as part of a bundle of items, wherein a purchase of said bundle would assist in completing a collection while duplicating at least one existing item in said first database; means for calculating the difference between buying individual items to complete a collection versus buying said bundle; and means for purchasing one or more items based on said calculating.
 58. Apparatus including means for defining a collection having a set of included rights at a selected time; means for comparing a set of rights associated with a user substantially at that selected time; means for receiving information associated with that collection from that user; and means for initiating a commercial transaction, whose completion would have the effect of causing that set of rights to include substantially all the included rights in that collection, with only such duplication of any of those included rights as explicitly requested by that user.
 59. Apparatus as in claim 58, including means for receiving information from that user associated with a degree of duplication for at least some of those included rights; wherein completion of that commercial transaction would have the effect of causing that set of rights to include substantially all the included rights in that collection, with only such duplication of any of those included rights as included in that degree of duplication.
 60. Apparatus as in claim 58, wherein that collection is defined at least in part in response to a vendor of those included rights.
 61. Apparatus as in claim 58, wherein that collection is defined at least in part in response to an objective feature of each of those included rights.
 62. Apparatus as in claim 58, wherein those included rights are defined at least in part in response to a set of goods or services.
 63. Apparatus as in claim 58, wherein those included rights are defined at least in part in response to a set of media streams.
 64. Apparatus as in claim 58, including means for determining, in response to those means for comparing, a first possible commercial transaction and a second possible commercial transaction, each having the effect of causing that set of rights to include substantially all the included rights in that collection, with only such duplication of any of those included rights as explicitly requested by that user; and means for comparing that first possible commercial transaction with that second possible commercial transaction; wherein those means for initiating a commercial transaction are responsive to those means for comparing that first possible commercial transaction with that second possible commercial transaction.
 65. Apparatus as in claim 64, wherein an output of those means for comparing that first possible commercial transaction with that second possible commercial transaction includes a selection of a fastest such commercial transaction.
 66. Apparatus as in claim 64, wherein an output of those means for comparing that first possible commercial transaction with that second possible commercial transaction includes a selection of a least expensive such commercial transaction.
 67. Apparatus as in claim 58, including means for defining those included rights at least in part in response to that set of rights already associated with that user.
 68. Apparatus as in claim 67, including means for performing a clustering operation on at least some of that set of rights associated with that user; and means for defining at least one collection in response to that clustering operation.
 69. Apparatus as in claim 67, including means for performing a clustering operation on at least some of that set of rights associated with that user; means for defining at least one collection in response to that clustering operation; and means for presenting an indicator of that at least one collection for selection or de-selection.
 70. Apparatus as in claim 58, wherein those means for comparing are responsive to a set of distinct versions possible to be associated with individual elements of that collection; and that commercial transaction is responsive to a selected one of those versions.
 71. Apparatus as in claim 70, including means for presenting at least some of those distinct versions at a user interface; and means for receiving information at least in part responsive to those means for presenting, that information being indicative of a selection or de-selection of at least some of those distinct versions.
 72. Apparatus as in claim 70, wherein that selected one of those distinct versions is at least in part responsive to a cost comparison.
 73. Apparatus as in claim 70, wherein that selected one of those distinct versions is at least in part responsive to a relative commercial transaction speed.
 74. Apparatus as in claim 70, wherein that selected one of those distinct versions is at least in part responsive to a user preference.
 75. Apparatus as in claim 58, wherein those means for comparing are responsive to a set of distinct types of rights possible to be associated with individual elements of that collection; and that commercial transaction is responsive to a selected one of those distinct types of rights.
 76. Apparatus as in claim 75, including means for presenting at least some of those distinct types of rights at a user interface; and means for receiving information at least in part responsive to those means for presenting, that information being indicative of a selection or de-selection of at least some of those distinct types of rights.
 77. Apparatus as in claim 75, wherein that selected one of those distinct types of rights is at least in part responsive to a cost comparison.
 78. Apparatus as in claim 75, wherein that selected one of those distinct types of rights is at least in part responsive to a relative commercial transaction speed.
 79. Apparatus as in claim 75, wherein that selected one of those distinct types of rights is at least in part responsive to a user preference. 